Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve seen way too many “mystery leaks” turn into backyard excavation projects—never looks fun. I like what you said here:
“If I can’t fix it myself, it’s probably not the right fit for my house.”
That’s my vibe too. I’d rather deal with a little mess under the sink than have to rent equipment just to check what’s going on. Cleaning isn’t anyone’s favorite, but at least it’s quick and you know what you’re dealing with. Underground traps just seem like overkill for a regular kitchen, unless you’re running a diner out of your house or something.
Yeah, I hear you—underground traps are a headache unless you’re running a restaurant. I’ve had to dig up a couple for clients and it’s never a quick fix. For a regular kitchen, an under-sink trap is way easier to clean and you don’t need to call in the cavalry every time something goes wrong. Only downside is, yeah, cleaning them can get gross... but at least you’re not tearing up your yard. I’d stick with simple unless you love shovels and mystery puddles.
Title: Choosing between in-kitchen and underground grease traps—what would you do?
I’ve seen more than my fair share of “mystery puddles” over the years, and let me tell you, nothing ruins a Saturday faster than realizing you’ve got to dig up half your patio just to get at a stubborn underground trap. Had one job where the homeowner swore the smell was coming from the neighbor’s yard... turns out, nope, it was their own grease trap that had backed up and started leaking under the flower beds. Took us hours just to find the thing, and by the end, everyone was ready to swear off fried food for life.
Honestly, unless you’re running a commercial kitchen or cooking for an army every night, those under-sink traps are way less hassle. Yeah, cleaning them is nobody’s idea of a good time—my record for “fastest clean without gagging” is still unbroken—but at least you can get at them without heavy machinery. Plus, if something goes wrong, you’re not calling in a backhoe or tearing up landscaping you just paid for.
I get why some folks like the idea of keeping all that mess outside and out of sight, but in practice? Out of sight usually means out of mind... until it’s too late. And then it’s a whole production. I’d rather deal with a little stink under the sink than a full-blown excavation in the backyard.
That said, I’ve met people who swear by their underground setups—usually because they inherited them and don’t want to mess with changing things up. But if you’ve got the choice, I’d keep it simple. Less drama, fewer surprises, and your garden stays intact.
I hear you on the “out of sight, out of mind” thing—seen way too many folks forget about their underground traps until it’s a disaster. Still, I’ve noticed some newer homes are going with outdoor setups anyway, probably because they think it keeps the kitchen cleaner. Curious if anyone’s actually had a positive experience with those newer plastic underground models? I’ve only ever had to fix the old concrete ones, and they’re always a pain. Wondering if the newer designs are any easier to deal with or still just as much trouble down the line.
Curious if anyone’s actually had a positive experience with those newer plastic underground models?
- Had to pull a few of those new plastic ones last month. Honestly, easier to open up than the old concrete monsters, but they still clog if folks ignore them.
- Biggest issue: people forget about them till it’s too late. Out of sight, out of mind is right.
- Cleanup’s a bit less brutal, but you’ll still get hit with the stink if maintenance slips. Wouldn’t call them trouble-free, just less heavy lifting.
